The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-03-28
Il MASONIC TEMPLE
A Building of Which We ALI
Feel Proud.

A Building of Which We All
Feel Proud.
The Masonic Temple of this city is
now finished, and it is therefore APP
propriatethat the public should lie
made better acquainted with this
magnificent structure, and its archi-
tect and builder. The building is
not only very eligibly situated, but it
is also one of the most substantial
| and most attractive in our city. 1t
is the first to be noticed by the stran-
ger. and to none do we point with
more pride as an evidence of what We
5 and of what we expect to be.
Such a building would be considered
an ornament to eny eastern town,
whose boundaries reach far beyond
the limits of Our own, and whose
records are muSty with age, while
ours bear but a recent imprint of adj
vanced civilization.
The building is situated on the
north side of West Park street, not
q 6lOAO-V111OW HULL MALL oVACVN, "
perhaps no better site could have
been secured--if for no other reason
it is central.
The ground and first story of the
building are owned by his Honor,
Mayor Uwsley, but the former vas
leased to the Fraternity for a term of
ninety-nine years, for the purpose ola
Temple, and this part of the structure
to wit All above the first story-is
owned and was paid for by them.
Its erection was begun last August
and the corner stone was laid with
appropriate ceremonies, the follow
ing month. That occasion, as most
of US remember was one of unusual
interest, but the recollection of it is
saddened by the fact, that he who
OBLIGATED s Grand Master, and
whose fervid eloquence made every
true Mason's heart beat quick--very
sOOn thereafter was summoned by
the Grand Master of the Universe to
put aside his implements and to
lea1 e that level of time which he had
so faithfully trodden,- to journey
through the mystic vale of death to
that undiscovered country from
whose bOurn no traveller e'er shall
return.
1t was thought that on the occasion
referred to he contracted a cold
which the infirmities of his age were
unable to withstand and which ter
minated his life. We refer to the
late lamented Judge Porneroy OF
Missoula.
But to return TO the building. 1t
is built Of brick and is 33x1N feet.
Its cost is about $4,000; that of the
temple proper, about $4,000. That
part in which the main audience
room is located is two stories in
height; the remaining portion is
three. The irststory is divided into
two rooms, one of which is occupied
by Mrs. Nsidenhofen as a restau-
rant and fancy store, and the other
by MI. e. Schlessinger as a liquor
and tobacco store. The main
AUDIENCE ROOM
AS it may be termed, constitutes the
second story. This main room is
32x6O feet, with ceiling liz feet in
height. 1t is deliberately frescoed
and in all of its appointments may
be seen the skilltul hand of the mas
ter mechanic. Particular and scien-
tific attention has been paid to the
acoustic properties and the best re-
suits have been secured. The man
ner of heating. and ventilating the
entire temple received the same care
full attention and both conform to
the most approved theories of con-
venience and hygiene. The remain
ing rooms of the second and those of
the
THIRD STORY
are devoted to the use of the Consis
tory, the Commandery, the Chapter
and the Eastern Star Lodge, which
latter is composed of ladies as well as
gentlemen. In the third story there
is also a b%anquetting room l3x36 feet,
with kitchen attached, both of which
are fully furnished, as indeed is the
entire Temple. Wardrobes and all
modern cOnveniences are attached to
every room. and the genius of the
builder is everywhere apparent.
One of the most attractive features
of the exterior is the cornice, the plan
of which is original with the archi-
tect. On it's surface, in artistic ar
rangement, appear various emblemat-
ic designs of the Masonic Order.
THE ARCHITECT AND BUILDER.
Mr.. II. C. Knox, who was recently
elected to the Office of Probate Judge
by his fellow-citizens, is both the ar
chitect and builder of this magniti-
cent structure.
To fully realize the minuteness of his
genius, as it may be termed; as well
as it's breadth, one should have access
to the entire building. Every ward
robe, way door and window seems to
be lust where 1t should be. Mr..
Knox gave the work his undivided
and personal attention, and he GER
tainly has the satisfaction Of know
ing it has been WeN done. He has
built a number of our best buildings,
all of which bear the impress of TIE
master architect; Of 4 man who has
not only acquired, but with i mind
having the capacity to create. lie
first came to this country with a gov
eminent expedition in 1862, and has
resided in this city, with occasional
Interruptions, since 1873. He is a
man void of o~stentatiOn, but one who
holds a high place in the estimation
of his fellow citizens. He is at pres
ent Master of Butte Lodge, Nc. %.
A. F. and A. NJ, and is far advanced
in the mysteries of the order, having
taken a number Of the Scottish de-
grees. Without the knowledge OF
masonry which he possesses, he could
not have SO well adapted the Temple.
to the purposes for which it will be
used. n.
ATov;oo l., Iocrriho1 % hninr tho