The Masonic Temple

The Masonic Temple Association was incorporated in May 1917, and Trustees were elected.  The Trustees, led by Alf Davis, became the Building Committee which was charged with locating a new temple site, submitting a plan, and working within a budget of $25,000.  Brother Masons accepted the Trustees’ suggested location in the residential area of J Street as well as the plans, but only accepted the contractor after the second bids were taken.  Chosen contractor, E. E. Etherton, also built the new Modesto High School.

The cornerstone for the new temple was laid during an elaborate ceremony in August of 1917 attended by members of lodges from fifteen states.  The Grand Lodge met in session in the Masonic Hall on I Street with the Grand Master presiding.  Following the short session, all attending Masons formed a line behind the Modesto Band and marched to the new Temple site at 15th and J Streets.  Following the ceremony, the impressive procession returned to the Masonic Hall in line as they had come.

On January 19, 1918, the first Eastern Star meeting was held in the new Masonic Temple.