The Forrest City times., 1892-05-13
The MasonIc Temple

l The movement inaugurated some i time ago to erect building for the 1 joint use of the various social orders of the town has reached point which | insures an early consummatioh of the project. Dr. II. r. DOoley has donated 1 the lot on which his dental office now l stands on the corner northwest from i the Methodist church. the dimensions of which are S6xS6 feet. A general outline of the Elan of the building has l beeR decided upon, and 1T carried out will make the structure beautiful one. It will be of Grecian architecture, two stories high, eighty-six feet deep and of sufficient width to preserve Us sym metry and answer the purposes for which 1t is to be used--about forty feet, we understand Oa Izard street will be vesti5ale. the canopy of which will be supported by columns. Spiral stairs will lead from this vestlbule to the right and left up to the Masters s stand. Over the yestibule will be placed appropriate Masonic devices. At the rear (weSt) of the building will be the main entrance to the i0dgeroOm. 1he anter0um will be in the form of an alcove, and here will De placed closets for tie accommodation of the uniforms, itSdllI. tlt- Ol illt StNti ai OitNiS, shiio here, also, it is proposed to establish a library for the use of the members of the lodges and their families. This
 library will be supplied with choice literature. special and general, and it is hoped that here will be formed the nucleus of one of the most important institutions in Eastern Arkansas. The
 library and anteroom will be 40X20 feet in size, furnished with tables, chairs, etc. and will be ample for present needs.
 In this building will be held the meet ing of Knights Templar, Council, Chapter and Blue Lodge of Masons, the various degrees of Knights of Py- tiias, the Knights of Honor and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. It is also expected the Odd-Fellows will be reorganized and share the lodge with the other orders.
 On the first floor, raised about two feet above the level of the si iewalk, will be constructed rooms suitable for offices. One of these offices will be held by Dr. Dooley during his life, and in the event of his death will revert to the lodges.
 We are more than pleased to see this enterprise in fair way to a speedy realization, It will reflect honor aud credit, not only upon the secret orders, but upon the entire citizenship of the city. It is something that has long been badly needed. The only com mandery of Knights Templar in this section of the state is located at this place, and the poorly adapted, lily ven tiated quarters heretofore occupied as a temple were altogether insufficient and unsuited to the needs and cOnven- fence of the order. The same may be said of the other fraterntieS. They have long needed better meeting place.
 One day last week Hon. George P. Taylor started out with il subscription list, and in less than three hours sue ceeded in securing pledges to the amount of S2500. This is an earnest of what may be accomplished with proper effort We trust there will be no Tagging in the matter uatil the fin iShing touch is place upon Forrest City's beautiful and commodious Ma sonic temple.