Portage - Ellice in Winnipeg, Manitoba — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
First Masonic Temple Site
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022
1. First Masonic Temple Site Marker
in 1895
was built the first
Masonic Temple
in use until
1969
This tablet erected by
Grand Lodge of Manitoba A.F. & A.M.
in their centennial year
1975
Erected 1975 by Grand Lodge of Manitoba A.F. & A.M.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 49° 53.699′ N, 97° 8.637′ W. Marker is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is in Portage - Ellice. Marker is on Ellice Avenue just east of 335 Donald Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is mounted above eye-level near the northwest corner of the 1895 Masonic Temple, facing Ellice Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winnipeg MB R3B 2H6, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Winnipeg Meeting of the T. Eaton Company Directors (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Ella Cora Hind (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Holy Trinity Anglican Church / L'église anglicane Holy Trinity (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Whitla Building (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Winnipeg Centennial Library (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Winnipeg Public Library System
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Historic Sites of Manitoba: Masonic Temple.
In May 1875, the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, the governing body for all other lodges in the province, received its charter. By 1894, the Grand Lodge occupied space on the top floor of the Western Canada Loan and Savings Company Building at the north-west corner of Portage Avenue and Main Street. A fire destroyed the building on 16 November 1894.(Submitted on January 31, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)The Masons decided to build their own building as a new home for the Grand Lodge of Manitoba. Excavation at the corner of Donald and Ellice began in July 1895 on what was described as the only Masonic Temple in Canada, and only the second in North America. The cornerstone was laid on 15 August 1895. In the basement of the three-storey brick and stone structure, designed by local architect George Browne, were offices, library, banquet hall and kitchen, two large vaults, janitor’s residence, lavatory, and furnace room. On the second floor were meeting halls, a general waiting room, and small
rooms for educational purposes. More meeting rooms were on the third floor. A high-ceilinged attic was intended for storage and two rooms for drills.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 20222. First Masonic Temple Site Marker(northwest corner of Masonic Temple • marker on left [north] side)
2. Former Masonic Temple ready for a new beginning after years of renovations.
Built in 1895 to house the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, it was the only Masonic Temple in Canada at the time and was the home of Masonic activities in Winnipeg for 74 years. In 1969, the Grand Lodge of Manitoba moved to its new home at 420 Corydon Ave., on the south side of Confusion Corner. After that, the downtown building was home to a number of restaurant ventures, most famously the Mother Tucker's restaurant owned by legendary restaurateur Oscar Grubert. The restaurant opened in 1975 and was there for 24 years.(Submitted on January 31, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022
3. 1895 Masonic Temple (west/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 31, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
