Daily Kennebec journal., 1894-04-19
MASONIC TEMPLE.
The Finest in the State Is What
Augusta Masons Propose. l,iL
The Success Of the Undertaking Already A.
sured by Liberal support.

m
A new Masonic temple, that shall not be
surpassed by any in the State, seems as
sured to the Masons of Augusta.
The Masonic bodies of this city have
long contemplated building of their awn
and the subject has long been discussed
without the matter being brought to focps.
The large membership of these bodisS,
nearly 500, guarantees success to the under
taking when once the building is con-
snucte1.
The beginning. however, like the begin
ming of all like proje cts, was slow to get
we'll under way. 'H
twas when some of the wealthier Ma
sons became interested and guaranteed their
support, that there was a general awaken
ing CT all the members and the preliminary
arrangements went ahead quite rapidly.
Several sites in the city were under discus-
sion by general committee, composed Of
representatives of all the Masonic bodies in
the city, and the executive committee ap.
pointed by them. Senator John F. Hilpis
the president Of this executive committee.
No one of these proposed sites afforded the
desirable features of the one owned by Ex-
Governor Burleigh and located on Water
street, adjoining the grounds of the public
building. When the committee talked with
Mr.. Bureigh he made them very low offer
for the site, feeling that such building as
was proposed would be in the nature of
public improvement and great advantage
to the city.
This lot has 90 foot frontage on Water
street and depth of GO feet. This, as Will
be seen by the dimensions, affords site
better adapted to the needs of such q build
ing than any other in the city, while the
location is extremely desirable. The com
mittee has assurance, we understand, from
Il. w. Whitehouse, Esq, that he will sell
them strip about 20 feet deep in the rear
of the Burleigh lot. On such site there
ford halls as large, if not larger than those
of any Masonic quarters in the State. ~
There was a meeting of the generalco
mittee, Wednesday evening, and from what
could be learned of their deliberations it
appears beyond doubt that work will be be-
gun early this season on the new Masonic
temple on the Burleigh lot, that this tenn
pie will be built of brick with an ornamental
brick and plate glass front, that it will be
four stories high and one of the handsomest
structures in this city which already has a
business street unequalled as regards fine
structures by any other city of its sizs in
the State.
From what the JOURNAL could learn the
intention is to build structure costing
about $40, 900.
Such building will have on the street
floor capacity for five fine stores while the
second floor will be admirably adapted to
general office purposes. Probably the
Masonic quarters will take up the two upper
stories. Parties have already made applica-
ton for stores and offices in the block q
The building is to be built by stock
company and over half the stock has already
teen pledged and the remainder of it will
be readily taken. The subscribers of the
stock will be Masons. A meeting of all the
Masons will be held the first of next week.
probably Monday evening, when the conl.,
mittee will make report. Each body will
then arrange as to the lease. 81
The committee will report an endorse
ment of President Hills purchase of the
lot n
Not only all Masons but other citizens
will wish the undertaking success. Is