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.
Elgin's Masonic Temple Cornerstone. Dedicated 1926. 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.
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 intersection of Park Street 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of
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 598 times since then and 21 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.
