Famous for more than 200 years of public welfare, entertainment and charity

Masonicthe world’s oldest fraternal organization dedicated to self-improvement, philanthropy and brotherhood, dating back to early ’19 doing business in Cleveland^th Century of the city’s first hotel in 1811.

is called 15 Concord Inn, Its bylaws are allowed to lapse in the face of Anti-Masonic Movement Popular in the 1830s. With the establishment of Webb Lodge No. 14 in 1836, this situation was not allowed to last long.

Cleveland Mason, circa 1941As the population grew and Freemasonry became more popular, so did the number of cottages.by 1859 Scottish Ritual Freemasonry Established in Cleveland. The existence of the Scottish Rite can be traced back to the massacre of the Knights Templar in Paris in 1307, when survivors fled to Scotland for safety.Interestingly, the massacre took place on Friday, October 13, 1307, thus creating the tradition of Friday the 13th^th It’s an unfortunate day.

The city’s first purpose-built hotel building was completed in 1883 on Superior Avenue and what is now East 6^th street.

in the early 20’s^th century, decided to build a Freemason Auditorium. The land was purchased at 3615 Euclid Avenue and the prestigious Cleveland Construction Company hubbell and benes was hired to design the structure.

To accommodate the new building, the former home of investment banker and industrialist Henry C. Wick was moved to a new location further north at 36 East^th street.

Masonic Temple Shelter, ca. 1930 To this day, the Masonic Auditorium looms on the corner of E.36 Euclid Avenue^th street. Its expansive, relatively windowless brick walls provide a fortress-like appearance to the imaginative onlooker who sees it for the first time.

Quite stark and intimidating from the outside, this large building features a well-appointed auditorium and impressive meeting rooms, known for its fine woodwork.

Newly built in 1918 Cleveland Orchestra Some of the earliest recordings were made in the auditorium – the building’s excellent acoustics have led some to believe it surpassed Severance Hall as a music venue. The building certainly provided a dignified venue for the Cleveland Orchestra during its first decade of existence.

During World War II, the building housed a large USO facility – during the war years, thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines passed through its gates as they sought recreation as they traversed Cleveland.

The auditorium provides a home for a range of Freemason groups, including Sirat Caves, Scottish Rites, shrine, Demolayand Knights Templar.

These organizations are known for their generosity and service to their communities. Their membership has been cherished by generations of Cleveland men, for whom it is a long-standing family tradition.

Unfortunately, demographic shifts and shrinking numbers have led to the harsh reality that Freemason institutions will have to sell the structures they own for the better part of 20 years^th century.

Masonic ceremonies still take place in Masonic auditoriums – e.g. Scottish Ritual Reunion in Cleveland Valley It is customary to be held twice a year.Although the building is Under the new ownership, the Masonic tradition continued.

Far from being a secret organization, the existence of Freemasonry couldn’t be more evident, and the Cleveland-area Masonic Lodge welcomes the interest of good people who want to be better people, seeking more light through Freemasonry.