Masonic Building

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

On September 19th, 1853, the Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 of Free and Accepted Masons was consecrated becoming the second oldest lodge in the county. In 1919 for $20,000 the Free Masons purchased a building site on the corner of Ligonier and Spring Street. In April of 1927 the building was complete, but was sold soon after in 1938 to Reliance Life Insurance Company. It wasn't until 1945 that the Lodge created a building and trust group that successfully bought the building back.

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Masonic Building

Backstory and Context

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On September 19th, 1853, the Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 of Free and Accepted Masons was consecrated becoming the second oldest lodge in the county. For many years the Loyalhanna Lodge did not have a specific meeting place, and would gather in places such as the First National Bank Building on Depot Street or the McLaughlin Building on Ligonier Street. After years of moving from place to place the lodge was looking to settle on one location. In 1919 for $20,000 the Free Masons purchased a building site on the corner of Ligonier and Spring Street.

In a 1926 publication of The Latrobe Bulletin it was reported that a five story building was going to be constructed on that site "to serve as a home for several local Masonic bodies." The building was also set to include both store and apartment space for rent. In April of 1927 when the project was complete, the Latrobe Public Library became one of the buildings first tenants. In 1938 the building was sold to the Reliance Life Insurance Company. During this time Lodge met in Mozart Hall on Main Street.

It wasn't until 1945 that the Lodge created a building and trust group that successfully bought the building back. After it was back under the ownership of the Free and Accepted Masons, the rental space within the Masonic Building continued to contribute to the life of Latrobe's small businesses and downtown. The Masonic Building is still used as retail, residential and meeting space today, just like it was in 1927 when it was first created.

Sources

"Five Story Building to Cover Site at Corner of Ligonier and Spring Streets." The Latrobe Bulletin (April 13, 1926): 1.

"Johnstown Firm Lands Contract for Erection of New Masonic Temple." The Latrobe Bulletin (July 20, 1926): 1&5.

"Masonic Order to Lay Cornerstone of New Temple Tomorrow." The Latrobe Bulletin (November 5, 1926): 1.

"Latrobe's Most Modern Store and Apartment Building Ready for Occupancy April 1st, 1927." The Latrobe Bulletin (February 26, 1927): 8.

"Insurance Co. Takes Over Masonic Blg." The Latrobe Bulletin (February 5, 1938): 1.

Latrobe, Pennsylvania 1854-1954 One Hundred Years. Privately published, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, 1954.

150th Anniversary Celebration 1853-2003, Loyalhanna Lodge No.275 Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Privately published, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, 2003.

Westmoreland County Deed Books.

Piper, Clinton. National Registration Nomination for the Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. N.p., 2016.