Newton in Harvey County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Masonic Lodge

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, April 3, 2014

1. The Masonic Lodge Marker

Inscription. Masonic Lodge No. 142 was organized in 1873 with Samuel Saylor appointed master. The first meeting was held in the new schoolhouse using boxes for the altar and jewels made of tin. Early members included Muse, Peters, Munger, Spivey, Lynch, Neal, Ashbaugh et al. In 1879 a 25x80 ft. two story building was built on this site with an upper story lodge room that was a model of beauty and ornament. The lower level was to be rented to the county for offices. Throngs throughout the state were present for the ceremonies with a grand promenade and the laying of the cornerstone by Grand Master E.D. Hillyer. In 1883 the building was enlarged at the cost of $13,000 to provide space for a court room and opera hall, the site of grand balls and concerts. The Magnolia Lodge No. 231 was chartered in 1884 with Robert Collins, worshipful master. It united with Lodge No. 142 in 1901. The building front was covered with brick in 1961. The upper story lodge rooms have retained their architectural beauty.

Erected by Masonic Lodge and The Harvey County Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these

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topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Kansas, Harvey County Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 38° 2.993′ N, 97° 20.678′ W. Marker is in Newton, Kansas, in Harvey County. It is at the intersection of East Broadway Street and North Main Street (State Highway 15), on the right when traveling east on East Broadway Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 East Broadway, Newton KS 67114, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Kansas and in Greater Wichita.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Anderson Book and Office Supply (within shouting distance of this marker); Ragsdale Opera House (within shouting distance of this

The Masonic Lodge and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, April 3, 2014

2. The Masonic Lodge and Marker

marker); First Presbyterian Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Jacob Krehbiel Memorial Park (about 500 feet away); Midland National Bank (about 600 feet away); Unknown Dead of the Civil War (about 600 feet away); Coastal Defense Cannon (about 600 feet away); Santa Fe Steam Locomotive #1880 (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newton.

Also see . . . Newton Lodge #142 A.F.& A.M. (Submitted on February 5, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)

The Masonic Lodge Interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, April 3, 2014

3. The Masonic Lodge Interior

Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 520 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 5, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.