New Britain herald., 1929-05-10
nAS()NS ID OCCUPY
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sA and there will bs program "f nude and dancing. si Yanee's or eAsstra will play and John A. Lind- say will sing. There will be card playing for those who do not wish to dance. Buffet lunch will be served.
 It has been emphasized by the committee chairmen that while for- nal dress has been requested at the banauet and dedication ceremony. It is not essential. It also is empha- sized that there are many Masons in the city who are not on the mail ing list of local lodges and these should consider themselves included in the invitation.
 Started Temple Fund in 1924
 The first movement towards the erection of | Masonic temple took place at a banquet following meet ing of Doric council, R. and 5. M., and in July 1924, 42 Masons con- tributed 3:5 each as a paid in capl- tai. The Masonic Temple corpora ton was formed at that time.
 The first meeting of he corpora ton was held July 2e. 1924. The authorized capitalization was $5o.- 900 of which s1.05o had been paid in. Enthusiasm ranged from high pitch to low ebb during the years that followed. Occasionally an en- tertainment or some social function was held and more money added to the fund.
 September 23, 1919. following the official welcome home banquet to the men who returned from the World War. the first real drive for funds was held. Other drives fol- lowed. Several parcels of ground were purchased and sold at a profit, always adding to the fund. The last piece of land to be sold was on West Main street between the Connecticut Light and Power building and the post office.
 Corner Stone Laid Last Year
 On October 26. 1926 the building committee was authorized to enter into q contract with Walter P Crabtree, architect, for the erection of a building on West Main and Russell streets at a total cost ol approximately 3250.00o. The con. tract was awarded to the w. H. Al. len Co.,, and on April 2S. 1928. the corner stone was laid by Grand Mas ter Robert 8. Walker of Waterbury
 The building now is complete Painters, plumbers and decorators added the last finishing touches to- day. Furniture was installed anl lighting fixtures connected yester. day. William Vile of 35 Park Place has accepted the position of build ing superintendent.
 The building itself IS a thing of beauty and it seems fitting that it should face New Britain's attractive memorial. surmounting Walnut Hill park. Standing at the corner of West Main and Russell streets. the main entrance on West Main street and the public entrance on Russell street. 1t is a work of art which car ries with it all the traditions oi ancient craft and operative as well as the more modern speculative masonry.
 Striking Interior
 'e e'The snlAin entrance Is reached by broad New Hampshire granite steps surmounted by massive bronze doors, through which one enters beauti- ful foyer, impressive in its striking and colorins effects. Opening off the foyer on tho right is the main stair way. the coat rooms. the lounge and the library.
 On the left is social hall CT card room. The lounge and library are furnished luxuriously with leather upholstered furniture. easy chairs and hreplaces. X fire place sur mounted by the Masonic square and compass Is found in the social room, also.
 A small lodge room with seating capacity for 96 is on this floor with ooms for tiler. candidates and off COTS and lockers for the secretary. A broad staircase leads from the right of the foyer to the second floor where the main lodge room is lo- Cated. This room has a seating capacity for 326 with ample room for as many more. Seats for mem. bers and officers and the altar top gre upholstered in rich blue mohair. Seats are fixed, theater style, while