Historic Name

The Masonic Temple

Address

32 West 8th Street

Municipality

City of Erie

Tax Parcel

17040001011900

Historic District

Classification

Class 1 (Definitions of Classes)

State Key Number

111625

Historic Function

Commercial - business

Style

Classical Revival

Built

1910

Architect

Builder

Barn Type on property

Last Entry Update

8/2/2016

The Masonic Temple of Erie was built for the Freemasons of the City of Erie. The Masonic Temple Association was developed to oversee its construction, and the building would be used to house Lodge rooms, Masonic quarters, an auditorium, a banquet hall, and rentable space. The Association commissioned architects Frank E. Alden and Alfred Harlow, as well as building firm Henry Shenk Company. Construction began in 1909, and after only a few months of building, the design was altered to accommodate a sixth floor. The Masonic Temple opened to the public in June 1910.

In 1930, a banquet hall and kitchen were built in the basement of the Masonic Temple. The gothic style room has hosted numerous weddings and celebrations over the last eighty years. A ballroom is located on the second floor of the building, while the fourth floor is used exclusively by the Freemasons. In 1964, a choir loft/balcony was installed in the fourth floor Masonic Lodge Room. The Masonic Temple is the home of the Perry Keystone No. 392, the Lawrence No. 708, and the Tyrian Commonwealth No. 362 Masonic Lodges. Office space is available on the second, third, fifth, and sixth floors, while store fronts are available for rent on the ground floor. Ralph Miller Jewelers, which resides on the 8th Street side of the Masonic Temple, opened in 1898. It has rented from the Masonic Temple since the building’s opening in 1910. In 2016, a convenience store and barber shop are also located on the ground floor. For over a century, the Masonic Temple has continued to be a place to work, entertain, celebrate, and worship in the heart of the city.

Sources:

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Photo courtesy, Erie County Assessment Office