Masonic Temple

In 1899, a majestic granite giant arose on the corner of Tremont and Boylston Streets. This is the Masonic Temple, a building that has witnessed over a century of Boston’s history. The Masonic Temple isn’t just a building. It’s a phoenix, risen from the ashes not once, but twice. The Masons, a fraternity deeply entwined with Boston’s story, first established their presence here in 1733. Their original lodge, St. John’s Lodge, still stands as a testament to their enduring legacy. However, the current Masonic Temple is the third structure built on this very spot. The previous two fell victim to devastating fires, but each time, the Masons rebuilt, stronger and more resolute. The current Masonic Temple, completed in 1899, is a nine-story granite edifice. It boasts six meeting halls and a research library dedicated to Freemasonry. The architects, Loring and Phipps, known for their grand school buildings, poured their expertise into this iconic structure. The building itself is a study in contrasts. While its exterior exudes a timeless grandeur, the interior houses modern administrative offices, blending the old with the new. For years, storefronts occupied the street level, generating revenue for the lodge. Today, mosaics and a restaurant grace the ground floor, reflecting the building’s adaptability to the changing times. Inside the Masonic Temple, you’ll find more than just granite and mortar. The Corinthian Hall houses handcrafted architectural designs and portraits of prominent Freemasons like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Joseph Warren, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Among the treasures held within these walls are Henry Price’s original headstone and a lock of George Washington’s hair, kept in an urn made by the renowned Paul Revere. The Masonic Temple stands as a symbol of resilience, history, and the enduring spirit of the Freemasons in Boston.