Masonic Temple (Yakima, Washington) Explained

Masonic Temple
Location:321 E. Yakima Ave., Yakima, Washington
Coordinates:46.6036°N -120.5006°W
Built:1911
Architect:Frederick Heath
Bowles, R.J., et al; Deveaux, W.W., et al.
Architecture:Second Empire
Added:February 16, 1996
Refnum:96000051

The Masonic Temple in Yakima, Washington is a historic building constructed in 1911. Designed in 1909 by prominent Tacoma architect Frederick Heath in collaboration with Yakima architect William W. DeVeaux,[1] while French Second-empire in design on the exterior, the lodge's interiors were designed based on contemporary knowledge of King Solomon's Temple at Jerusalem and would even incorporate stone from what was believed to be the same quarry used by Solomon.[2] One of Yakima's largest building projects of the era, construction of the concrete and steel-frame skyscraper would last over a year from late 1910 to early 1912.[3] It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. For many years it served as a meeting hall for Yakima's Masonic Lodges, however no lodges meet in the building today.[4]

Notes and References

  1. News: Masons Will lead America . October 2, 2024 . The Yakima Herald . June 9, 1909 . 3.
  2. News: Stone from Jerusalem; Will Become the Keystone of the Arch of Main Entrance of Masonic Temple Here . October 2, 2024 . The Yakima Herald . February 8, 1911 . 5.
  3. News: Surprise for the Public; Temple under Construction in Masonic Building is of Unique Design and Workmanship . October 2, 2024 . The Yakima Herald . February 7, 1912 . 3.
  4. http://freemason-wa.org/ Grand Lodge of Washington list of lodges