By: Alison Gerardot
You know when you walk into a building and you can feel its soul? Like, the building has an energy you can’t quite put your finger on? Yeah, the Masonic Temple has that.
Determining the place to hold such a large Signature Event can be quite daunting.
1. It has to be large enough to allow people to explore the space.
2. It has to be downtown (FWDC is centrally located).
3. It has to have character – not just any old office building will do.
4. It needs to be a place that not everyone is accustomed to visiting.
5. Oh, and they have to allow us full access….
As one of the larger buildings in downtown Fort Wayne, the Masonic Temple was a prime choice. Centrally located? Check. Character? Check. Unlimited access? Check. When we were allowed to use the space, and not just some of the space, ALL of the space, the excitement for this event began. Having toured this building many times now, I have become familiar with its nooks and crannies. And let me tell you, the soul of this building comes through no matter what floor you are on. This building has so much character it could have its own scavenger hunt. The narrow hallway that overlooks the city with 1950’s lockers? The antique “office” and the “men only” sign? Even the Alice in Wonderland sized door? (oh yeah, and the mysterious rumored skull in the closet?) – I hope you’re able to find all of these things and more.
Built in 1926 at a cost of over $1 million dollars, this building was built as a monument to the ambitions of the fraternity. Designed by Charles A. Weatherhogg, the building stands 10 stories high. This beautiful building was immediately one of the largest structures on the Fort Wayne skyline. At the time of it’s construction, over 10,000 members came and went for various meetings, dinners, dances and fraternal functions. For decades, the social room was an exclusive gentleman’s club where men could enjoy fellowship with with their fraternal brothers. The building was truly state of the art for 1926 and established Fort Wayne and Allen County as one of the premiere locales in the midwest for Masonic fraternity. In 1991, the Masonic Temple (Freemasons Hall) was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sharing the mystique of the Masonic Temple is one of the biggest reasons why I’m excited about this event. I hope you’ll take this opportunity to explore it during our upcoming fundraiser, Wonderland, on September 12th. And maybe, just maybe, let the building infuse its soul into yours.
So get your ticket already!