OpenStreetMap (new tab)

Google Map (new tab)

Google Streetview (new tab)

Building History

Following a fire that leveled the Masonic Temple #1 on 08/06/1893, preparations to rebuild began four days later, and actual work commenced in 09/1893. The new Masonic Hall would be built at Tulare Street and I Street, a block away from the burned facility. The web site of Las Palmas-Ponderosa Lodge No. 366 wrote: "[On 08/10/1893], Fresno Lodge No. 247 held a meeting in the Odd Fellows Hall to discuss plans for rebuilding a new Temple. It was proposed that another three-story building be constructed, with the third floor strictly reserved for Masons. [Building owner] Jeff G. James was present at the meeting to discuss the financial arrangement. A plan was to be unveiled at the August 25th lodge meeting. By January 1894, local business men were announcing in the newspaper that they were moving their businesses to the new Masonic Temple Building. On March 5, 1894, the Fresno Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West indicated that they would be locating into an 'elegantly furnished' hall of the Masonic Temple. On April 12, 1894, the new Masonic Temple was re-dedicated. Over 500 people attended the ceremony presided over by Grand Master Dr. H.S. Orme, resident of Los Angeles." (See Las Palmas-Ponderosa Lodge No. 366, "The History of Masonry in Fresno," accessed 05/18/2017.)The Fresno Masons Lodge #247 reserved the entire top floor for themselves. This facility was used from 1893 until 1911.

PCAD id: 21255