The
Masonic Temple built in 1894 at
St. John's,
Newfoundland,
Canada is an example of
Victorian construction which includes
pilasters, free-standing columns and multiple
pediments.
The building was constructed from large bricks imported from
Accrington and built upon a stone foundation. It is three stories and contains several classical
motifs, it includes
pilasters, free-standing columns and multiple
pediments. An elaborate pipe organ decorates the main room which was dedicated on April 28, 1916 with a large portion of the funding contributed by Sir
John Chalker Crosbie.
The cornerstone was laid in a Masonic ceremony conducted by Former Newfoundland prime minister (and Freemason) Sir
William Whiteway held on August 23, 1894. The Freemasons held the first Masonic meeting in the structure on November 1, 1896, but the order did not
consecrate the building until April 23, 1897. The last Masonic meeting in the temple was held in June 2007. The Masonic Temple has since been sold, and there is no longer any Masonic connection with the building, and no Masonic events are held there.
The Masonic Temple was designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the
Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in April 1995, and is listed on the
Canadian Register of Historic Places.
Currently the Masonic Temple is owned by
Spirit of Newfoundland, and used mainly by artists of all artistic genres, with the core business being dinner and show.
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