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The Cornerstone for the Masonic Temple was laid on November 26, 1894 (A.L.5894) by Past Grand Master Charles H. Sporleder.
The Lodge was dedicated on June 24, 1895 (A.L.5895), by acting Grand Master Max Frost
The Temple was designed by Architects I.H. & W.M. Rapp & Associates and was constructed by Michael T. Kean Construction Co.
The Trowel used to lay the Cornerstone.
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The Building is the finest surviving example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style in New Mexico. Cosmopolitan in its design and craftsmanship, the stonework is unusual, locally-quarried purple sandstone. |
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The carved details flanking the main tower entrance are derivative of the great Chicago architect Louis Sullivan. The carvings were done by Chicago born and reared Ed Morris, who was in his mid-twenties when this work was done. He carved entirely by eye, without models to consult. |
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There are no plans for renovation, there is an on going operation and maintenance effort to sustain the viability of the building to accommodate and support
those activities that are presently on-going and any future activities that might be appropriate for the space and consistent with our "Mission".
The funds, required for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the building, will come from an existing "Building-Fund" and
future gifts and donations given expressly for that purpose by members and friends.
The Movie industry has taken a liking to our beautiful building.
Below is a list of movies filmed here and what room they used.
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Below are a few more pictures of the inside of the Temple Building.
click on any one for a larger view
This Diebold safe is on the first floor in the foyer, due to its weight thats as far as they could get it.
 Elevator, gate closed |
 Elevator Tag |
 Elevator, gate open |
Second Floor
The second floor of the building was paid for and used by The Montezuma Club. They occupied this floor until 1908 when they turned it over to The Commercial Club of Las Vegas for one dollar.
The LVMBA gained possession of this floor in 1909 after completing payment on a note for $11,147.82. The floor was leased to The Commercial Club for 5 years at $100.00 per month.
The Lodge now owns this floor.
 2nd Floor Main Hall |
 2nd Floor Meeting Room |
 2nd Floor Sitting Room |
 Main Dining Room |
 Main Dining Room |
 Painting by Ethel R. Holt |
 Looking toward the Fire Place Room |
 The Fireplace |
 Looking toward the Fire Place Room |
 Beautiful Wood Doors |
 The Kitchen |
 Beautiful Wood Work |
Third Floor
 The Courtroom Doorway |
 The Courtroom |
 The Courtroom |
 The Pool Room |
 The Pool Room |
 The Pool Room |
 Bro. James A. Garfield |
 Bro. William McKinley |
 Arthur M. Staley Room |
 Arthur M. Staley Room |
 Arthur M. Staley Room |
The Lodge Room
The East. This is where the Worshipful Master sits
with the Secretary and Treasurer at his left & right.
 The North (no one sits here) |
 The South. This is where the Junior Warden sits, with the Stewards in front. |
The West. This is where the Senior Warden sits
with the Junior Deacon to his right
The Bible on the front of the alter was printed in 1864.
It was given to Chapman Lodge No. 95 in 1867 while the Lodge was still at Fort Union by Brother H.J. Farnsworth, Summit Lodge No. 219 Westfield, NY
and Brother George W. Ashenfelter, George Washington Lodge No. 143 Chambersburg, PA. both were Army Officers stationed at the Fort and had recently been transferred.
The cover of the bible reads:
To
Chapman Lodge
Fort Union, New Mexico
by
Farnsworth and Ashenfelter
Due to unfortunate fires in the past at Montezuma Lodge No.1,
This Bible is believed to be the oldest surviving Bible used in any New Mexico Lodge.
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