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Masonic Temple

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

The historic Masonic Temple building has served a number of important roles in its history, particularly in the early 20th century. The Forsyth Masonic Lodge built it in 1911 and continues to meet here today. In 1917, it became a temporary hospital during the 1918 flu pandemic. Then, between 1921 and 1927, the public library was located here. The building is also a contributing property of the Forsyth Main Street Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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The Masonic Temple has been an important landmark in Forsyth since it was built in 1911, having served as a temporary hospital, a library, and the meeting place for local masons.

The Masonic Temple has been an important landmark in Forsyth since it was built in 1911, having served as a temporary hospital, a library, and the meeting place for local masons.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

The Forsyth Masonic Lodge was established in 1898. For the next several years they met in a variety of locations. Then in 1905 they started to gather in a new hotel that one its members, Hiram Marcyes, built. The lodge hired architect Brynjulf Rivenes in 1911 to design the temple building, which is a good example of Beau-Arts architecture. The masons have gathered on the second floor and over the years various businesses have occupied the first floor. By the time the lodge was founded, Forsyth was an established community whose economy was based around railroading. Marcyes was one of the prominent businessmen who played a large role in developing the town in its early years. His association with the lodge adds to the Masonic Temple's historical significance.

Sources

Hufstetler, Mark A. "Forsyth Main Street Historic District." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. February 12, 1990. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/90000081_text.

The Montana National Register Sign Program. “Masonic Temple.” Montana Historical Society - Digital Vault. Accessed July 19, 2020, http://digitalvault.mhs.mt.gov/items/show/20730.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Carroll Van West, via Montana's Historic Landscapes: https://montanahistoriclandscape.com/2015/01/17/forsyths-historic-districts/

Additional Information