River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-10-14
A Magnificent Edillee.

The new Masonic temple in Phila
delphia which was dedicated on Frida,
last is thus described bya correspond
ent of the New York World
1.-The noble structure stands upoi
the northwest corner of Broad and Fill
bert streets, directly opposite the new
public buildings now in course of cree
ton, and is the grandest Masoni,
editice in the world The site upor
which it is reared cost Sl56, 1853. and
and the building itself over 1000, 600
Ii has been five years in construction,
and the expenditure for the same was
secured by a Masonic loan. The tempt,
is the most imposing edifice in the
Quaker City," and towering above
the many massive structures in its OWL
vicinity presents landmark that car
be distinctly seen for miles around II
has two fronts-the west on Broad
street and the south on Filbert. A
perfect specimen of bold Norman
architecture, it is unlike any Other
structure in the country. It's dimen-
sions are $50 feet length, with breadth
of $50 feet. The material used IN the
construction is Cape Ann syenite of I
grayish white color, which gives Tn,
building n look Of solidity and perma
nepce furnished by few other stones
The architecture of the building, sur
mounted by its three unique tower
and facades, its magnificent window
and cornices, is imposing and grand
A feature of the front is the porch,
which is the most elaborate and costly
work of this kind in the country. IL is
built of Quincy granite, and is made
mp of four pairs of receding pillars,
surmounted by arched semi circular
mouldings enriched by beautiful Nor
man decorations The structure, which
is three stories aud basement in
height, is said TO contain 10000, 600
bricks. The hall is enclosed by
an iron railing fence, and lamps will be
placed around il for use at night. The
interior of tue structure is magnificent !:
the grand staireases are of iron, and
the first hall is 90 feet in width. The
floors are laid with black aud white
marble tiles, arranged in figures, and
presenting handsome appearance.
Each hall in the Temple is sample OF
a different order of architecture-pe being
the Egyptian, the Corinthian, the
Doric, the Ionic, the Oriental, the Nor
man, the Gothic, and the Italian
Renaissance. On the first floor is stu
ated the banquetlng hall, which is an
elegant room, capable of seating over
600 persons, and is fitted up in grand
style. 1t is so constructed that it can
be divided INTO two rooms and used by
two different lodges at the same time.
should necessity arise for such an ar
rangement. The Grand Lodge hall, il
the second story, is constructed and
decorated upon the Corinthian order
This room has seating capacity for 40C
persons. 1t is 81 feet wide by log il
length. 1t is elegantly finished, ant
furnished in the most costly style. Tn
Grand Chapter hall is also situate,
upon the second floor, as we'll as thos
of the Subordinate Chapter, Com
mandery, Council, and Consistor
rooms, all of which are fit companion
to the Grand Lodge hall. Its decora
tions cost several thousand dollars. L
point of beauty and unique design G
appointments it has no compeer. TIL
doors are very handsome, being fin
ished IN an elegant variegated marble
veneer, which gives them the appear
ance of polished stone. A striking
feature of this apartment are the vail
of the temple, which perform an Inn
portant part in the mysteries of Roya
Arch Masonry. The building through
out is admirably furnished with al
the necessary adiuncts in the shape o
waiting, toilet, library, banqueting
reading, and culinary rooms, willis
the ventilation, gas, water, and lighting
features are perfect and marvellous.