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
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. Marker is at the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Elgin National Watch Company Factory Bell (here, next to 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); W.W. I Memorial Davidson Park (approx. half a mile away); Elgin Milk Condensing Company (approx. half a mile away); Elgin National Watch Company (approx. 0.8 miles away); Elgin (approx. 0.8 miles away); Illinois Watch Case Company (approx. 0.8 miles away); Pinkerton’s Early Home (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elgin.
More about this marker. Outside the Elgin Area Historical Society & Museum.
Elgin Historic District Resources Survey, 2009
2. Elgin's Masonic Temple
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 536 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 15, 2013. 2. submitted on February 19, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 3. submitted on February 15, 2013. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
