Lodge members line Jefferson Avenue in front of the building.
Photos by Mike Sitar
(Click on photos to enlarge)
The majestic LaPorte Masonic Temple has guarded the southeast corner of Indiana and Jefferson avenues for 100 years, and on Saturday, May 4, 2013, the organization for which it is named rededicated the structure.
According to the LaPorte County Historical Society, architect Robert M. Hyde designed the building and the cost of construction was $80,000. The cornerstone was laid June 24, 1913, and the building was dedicated with a parade and banquet in 1914. On the 3rd and 4th floors were the Masonic Lodge’s banquet rooms, stages, parlors, a billiard room and even an armory. The sturdy structure was built with heavy steel-plate girders supporting the lodge hall and Howe trusses in the roof. The wood trim was all of oak and birch. On the 2nd floor were office suites, with retail shops on the street level.
Today the building’s uses are much the same, with the Masonic Lodge room, offices and street-level retail spaces.
At Saturday’s rededication, LaPorte Excelsior Masonic Lodge 41 celebrated the building as well as the 175th anniversary of its charter (1838-2013).
According to the organization: “The mission of the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons was, is and shall be to teach the art of Freemasonry to all men of good character, thus inspiring them to practice the art of Freemasonry in their homes, communities and daily lives. This association of like-minded men improves and strengthens the character of each brother, reflecting Freemasonry and thereby perpetuating the values through the fraternity.”
The lodge room within the temple building.
An early shot of LaPorte Masonic Temple, now a century old. Photo courtesy of LaPorte County Historical Society. (CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)