Elgin in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Elgin's Masonic Temple Cornerstone

Dedicated 1926

February 15, 2013

1. Elgin's Masonic Temple Cornerstone Marker

Inscription. In 1926 a grand hall was erected as the new home for two local Masonic organizations -- the Elgin Lodge #117 and the Monitor Lodge #552. At the time, the new Masonic Temple was Elgin's largest indoor meeting space. In addition to lodge functions, it was the site of many public concerts, performances, banquets, meetings and ceremonies of all types, including Elgin High School graduations. For thousands of Elginites, the building held many special memories.

In 1990, when the Masons could no longer afford to maintain it, the building was sold. The two lodges relocated to nearby communities and a series of small businesses and churches occupied the building. One of these churches objected to the Masonic symbols on the building. In 2005 they removed the cornerstone and large terra cotta Masonic emblem from the facade and all the symbolism from the interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 42° 2.462′ N, 88° 16.657′ W. Marker is in Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County. It is at the intersection of Park Street

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and College Street, on the left when traveling east on Park Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 Park Street, Elgin IL 60120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Elgin National Watch Company Factory Bell (here, next to this marker); Elgin Academy Civil War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Old Main (a few steps from this marker); Memorial Tribute to Elgin Academy's Patriotic Sons Who Served in the Great Civil War, 1861-1865 (a few steps from this marker); Pioneer Log Cabin of the 1830s (within shouting distance of this marker); Masjid Al-Wājidi (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line);

Elgin's Masonic Temple image. Click for full size.

Elgin Historic District Resources Survey, 2009

2. Elgin's Masonic Temple

Fremont Recreation Center / Second Baptist Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elgin.

More about this marker. Outside the Elgin Area Historical Society & Museum.

Elgin's Masonic Temple Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

February 15, 2013

3. Elgin's Masonic Temple Cornerstone

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2013. This page has been viewed 982 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 15, 2013. 2. submitted on February 19, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on February 15, 2013. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.