Honoring

Purpose-built as the 9th home for Marion’s Freemasons in 1896, the Masonic Temple Building has been a part of Marion’s Uptown for most of its existence. Once completed, its first floor became the home to many shops, a theater, a bowling alley, and even a Post Office. Its upper floors housed the meeting spaces for many Masonic organizations. The Marion Masonic Foundation would like to honor the important role the building has played in the town and Marion’s citizens who built it by seeing to its continued use as a place of commerce and gathering.

Preserving

Until the derecho in 2020, the Marion Masonic Temple had only ever undergone one remodel project since its completion. Aside from that facade update, the only other changes were to its physical plant. Post-derecho repairs opened parts of the building unseen since its original construction and created a renewed appreciation for the level of craftsmanship our forebears wielded. Every effort the Foundation makes to repair/remodel the building is completed with the twin goals of guaranteeing the long-term survivability of the building and highlighting the craftsmanship of the past.

Connecting

Community is “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” Freemasonry built a sense of community among its members. Its members built a sense of community by helping found the city of Marion. Modern city leaders and organizations are helping improve Marion’s sense of community through the numerous projects benefiting the Uptown Marion area. In all cases, the connections between the individuals planning, building, and enjoying Marion are integral to its community. The Marion Masonic Foundation wants to play its part in facilitating the connections between the citizens of Marion and contribute to our wonderful community.