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Auburn Masonic Temple 1934
It was a few years prior to 1911 that Masons of Auburn conceived of owning a fraternal home of their own. Many properties were looked over. Little progress was made, however, until early in 1911, when George C. Pearson offered to the Masonic Temple Association an option which he had secured on property at 8, 10, and 12 South Street. No. 8 South Street was a three story building, and 10 and 12 a nine story structure, with a two and a half story wing in the rear.
Extensive alterations were made and by 1916 the lodge rooms were ready for use. all Masonic bodies took up their quarters in the building, which was their headquarters until the destructive fire on August 17, 1932 which virtually wrecked Auburn’s most imposing building.
The Temple Trustees then employed Hillger & Beardsley to prepare tentative plans and estimates for the restoration of the building. Following conferences with the building committees named by the lodges, it was decided to have plans and specifications prepared for a seven story building. Later this proposition was rejected by the ledges and several different plans were suggested by the membership.
Finally the Temple trustees decide to submit a proposition for a three story structure, the second and third floors to be used by the fraternity. Such a plan, it was held, would permit the indebtedness on the building to be materially reduced. The proposal was accepted by the lodges, with some slight changes. New plans were then prepared and approved by the Temple trustees and the building committees. Bids were asked and contracts let in June, 1933. All work was virtually completed by January 1, 1934.
The membership of both St. Pail's Lodge, 124, F. and A. M., and Auburn Lodge, 431, F. and A. M., voted to accept the offer of the option and instructed the Temple Association to accept the property on the option for $50,000. Brother Pearson made no profit in the transaction. On May 13, 1911 the Masonic Temple trustees directed their president to sign all documents in transferring the property to the Masons and the transaction was consummated at once.
Doric Lodge Room 1934
Finished in Italian Travertine stone with indirect lighting and a seating capacity of 400, becomes one of the beauty spots of Masonic
life. The many beautiful effects obtainable by various lighting controls will be enjoyed by the fraternities for years to come. The room measures 37 feet by 68 feet, and presents an impression of strength and beauty that are truly in keeping with Masonic traditions.
Ionic Lodge Room 1934
Without question the most comfortable and beautiful small lodge room that modern architecture can design. The temperature is controlled and the room is ventilate by modern systems. This room is furnished with opera type chairs and the furnishings are beautiful throughout. With the beamed ceiling and stippled walls the Ionic room will endear itself to all the brethren. It is 24 feet by 50 feet and has a seating capacity of 75.
Reading Room - Masonic Club 1934
Located at the front of the Masonic Temple, facing South Street, is the reading and lounging room. This room presents an aspect of comfort and convenience that at once appeals to all who enter from the lobby at the head of the first flight of stairs. The windows look out onto South and Genesee Streets, commanding a pleasing view of the busiest part of Auburn. Large, inviting chairs assure comfort to all Masons who seek rest and refreshment after the strenuous duties of the day. Well equipped writing desks offer convenience to those who desire to write letters from the club rooms. Current magazines, daily newspaper and a library of books are available to the Masons of the city. A radio of the most modern design and of excellent tone has been installed for pleasure of the members of the craft.
Material taken from "Ceremonies of Dedication" Masonic Temple, Auburn NY, February 26, 1934.
Game Room - Masonic Club 1934
Here, in this game room, conveniently located at the front of the building, one floor about the streets, members of the Masonic fraternity enjoy restful relaxation and social intercourse, in an atmosphere of fraternal good fellowship. A considerable part of the game room is given over to billiard tables, of which two represent the straight billiards and two the pocket billiard type. Table cushions, cues and cue racks are kept in the best of condition. Off the billiard room is the car room. An ample number of tables, chairs, and cards provide facilities for a social game of bridge, 500, pedro, euchre, or whatever the players may desire. For the most studiously minded, checker boards furnish opportunity for demonstrating their mental prowess. The lighting of the room, both by day and night, is such as to provide ample illumination at all times. Windows on two sides add to the natural lighting and provide an excellent view.
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