Sandersville in Washington County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Masonic Temple

Photographed By David Seibert, October 28, 2009

1. Masonic Temple Marker

Inscription. A beautiful reproduction of the Greek Temple Athene, erected in 1855-56 for the Masons, of brick, hand-made by slaves, stood on this corner. An appeal by Mr. James D. Anthony and Dr. James R. Smith -- Methodist Ministers -- and Mr. Pincus Happ, Members of Haynes Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, saved the building from destruction by Sherman’s Army in 1864, when all other public buildings in town were burned. This was one of several Masonic Temples in Georgia spared by Union officers who were Masons. This historic building was destroyed by fire in 1921.

Erected 1954 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 150-5.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.

Location. 32° 58.981′ N, 82° 48.723′ W. Marker is in Sandersville, Georgia, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of West Haynes Street and Jones Street, on the right when traveling west on West Haynes Street. The marker is on the southwest corner of the courthouse square in Sandersville. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sandersville GA 31082, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Governor Thomas W. Hardwick (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County Viet Nam War Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington County Korean War Memorial (about 300 feet away); Pvt. Willie Lee Duckworth Sr. (about 300 feet away); Washington County Korean Monument (about 300 feet away); Washington County World War I Monument (about 300 feet away); Washington County World War II Monuments (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sandersville.

Regarding Masonic Temple. The Transylvania Club, a ladies' service organization founded in Sandersville in 1908, created a public library in 1909, housed in the Masonic Temple building. The group had funded the purchase of 70,000 volumes when the building was destroyed by fire on February 13, 1921.

The group vowed to reestablish the library, and funded the new library by sale of a group of plates, made by Wedgwood in England, depicting scenes from Georgia history.

These plates are still sold today, and have been named the official historical plates of the state of Georgia.

Photographed By David Seibert, October 28, 2009

2. Masonic Temple Marker

The marker with the Washington County Courthouse (and parking lots) to the rear

Photographed By David Seibert, October 28, 2009

3. Masonic Temple Marker

The marker points to the site of the Masonic Temple, where a more modern building now stands.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,384 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on November 19, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 18, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.